Projects would manage flood risk, promote healthy waterways
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works for policy updates and authorizations to support five Colorado water projects. The projects stretch from Alamosa to El Paso and Denver Counties, with a specific focus on improving water infrastructure in underserved communities.
If selected, the senators’ priorities would be incorporated into the Water Resources Development Act, a bill passed every two years to authorize projects that address water management, flood control, ecosystem restoration, and long-term clean water priorities.
“Investing in projects that manage flood risk and our water supplies is good for our waterways and even better for our communities,” said Hickenlooper. “These Colorado-grown projects drive federal resources to where they are needed most.”
“Colorado faces a future that’s going to be a lot hotter and a lot drier,” said Bennet. “That’s why I’ll continue working to invest in Colorado’s aging water infrastructure, provide support for vulnerable communities, and protect waterways that are vital to our communities and economy.”
The five Colorado projects now go to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, where they will be considered for selection in the final legislation. Once voted out of committee, the bill will head to the Senate floor for a final vote.
Full list of the project and policy requests below:
| LOCATION | NAME OF PROJECT | DESCRIPTION |
| South Platte River | Policy Updates | Statutory updates to improve implementation of an ecosystem restoration project designed to reduce flood risk and create equitable access to a healthy environment for underserved communities in Denver. |
| South Platte River / Mile High Flood District | Policy Updates | Policy updates to improve project implementation along a 5.7-mile corridor of the South Platte, providing flood risk protection, recreational amenities, and ecosystem benefits. |
| El Paso County | Environmental Infrastructure Authority | Authority for the US Army Corps of Engineers to engage in projects to improve environmental infrastructure to address water supply and stormwater management needs. |
| Colorado Springs | Feasibility Study | Feasibility study of a project to restore ecosystems along Monument and Fountain Creeks and to rehabilitate the Templeton Gap Levee in Colorado Springs, while benefiting disadvantaged communities located near these areas. |
| Alamosa | Alamosa Levee Repair Project | Alamosa levee repair project to provide reconstruction of the Alamosa levee system, address environmental justice issues, and protect the Alamosa community. |
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